In a press release issued Monday, newly-crowned Bellator Fighting Championships heavyweight champion Cole Konrad spoke about his submission victory over Neil Grove in the Bellator season three heavyweight tournament finals last Thursday.
Konrad knew Grove would be out of place on his back:
“It was something we worked on. I knew if I could take him to the ground I would have a huge advantage. That was the game plan and everything just worked out well. Once I got him down and got a little ground and pound going, I knew he’d put his hands up trying to block. Fortunately as I started going for his head, I was able to grab his arm and transition right into a Keylock.”
Konrad trains out of Minnesota Martial Arts Academy which is also home to UFC heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar. Konrad spoke about how having two heavyweight champions in the same camp is good for team morale:
“There’s only a handful of us [heavyweights] training there, so we’re obviously doing something right. t’s good for all of us to know that things are moving in the right direction.”
What is next for the champ? First of all, a little R & R. This weekend he will be going to Anaheim to watch his friend and training partner defend his UFC title at UFC 121:
“I’m just going to sit back and let my batteries recharge for the next couple of weeks. I’m going to head over with Brock for his fight this weekend and kind of just let my mind rest from fighting. I’m just looking forward to defending my belt and seeing where this brings me.”
If being the Bellator heavyweight champion were not enough, Konrad is also taking night classes at a local law school. He says it is a field he would like to go into once this MMA thing has run its course:
“Definitely once fighting is over it’s something I’d like to look into. It’s a good change of pace from working out. It’s a totally different mindset from fighting and a real challenge, so I like it.”
So just remember, in a few years if you ever need a big intimidating attorney to plead your case in a court of law, look up Cole Konrad. Until then, as MMA fans, be prepared to watch this dominating wrestler progress in his skills and be a formidable opponent for anyone as long as he continues to fight.
Bellator 33 featuring Roger Huerta vs. Eddie Alvarez and Ben Askren vs. Lyman Good takes place this Thursday night in Philadelphia and airs live on FOX Sports Net at 7 p.m. CT.